Bridgetown (Barbados), June 28: Australia crushed West Indies by 159 runs in just three days in the Barbados Test, thanks to a devastating bowling performance by Josh Hazlewood, who claimed 5 wickets for 43 runs. The hosts collapsed in the final session of Day 3, with Nathan Lyon wrapping up the match by taking the last two wickets off consecutive deliveries.

West Indies Collapse Despite Resistance

Despite a fighting 44-run knock from Shamar Joseph and a defensive effort by Justin Greaves, West Indies failed to stretch the match into Day 4. Joseph was caught in the slips, while Jayden Seales fell at short leg, marking the end of the West Indian resistance.

Travis Head Named Player of the Match

Travis Head was awarded Player of the Match for his twin fifties across both innings. On a tricky pitch, Head displayed gritty shot-making and took advantage of West Indies’ sloppy fielding, which saw them drop as many as seven catches during the match.

Australia’s Batting Backbone in the Second Innings

Australia’s second-innings total of 310 was built on the solid efforts of Alex Carey (65), Beau Webster (63), and Travis Head (61). Carey brought up his half-century in just 40 balls, playing a range of eye-catching strokes and taking on both Shamar Joseph and Justin Greaves with aggressive intent, including a couple of straight sixes.

Hazlewood Wreaks Havoc, Lyon Finishes the Job

Hazlewood was the standout with the ball, striking key blows by removing Brandon King and John Campbell in a single over. He followed it up with the dismissals of Roston Chase and Keacy Carty. Captain Pat Cummins also got in on the action, clean bowling Shai Hope with a sharp delivery. Marnus Labuschagne contributed with a pinpoint runout of Alzarri Joseph, while Nathan Lyon closed the innings with back-to-back wickets.

Shamar Joseph Shines in Defeat

West Indies’ Shamar Joseph emerged as a lone warrior, top-scoring in the second innings and also taking 5 wickets during Australia’s second innings. He bowled the most overs for his side and showcased immense promise, but his individual brilliance wasn’t enough to prevent a defeat.

Match Summary:

Australia: 180 & 310
(Carey 65, Webster 63, Head 61; Shamar Joseph 5/87)
West Indies: 190 & 141
(Shamar Joseph 44; Hazlewood 5/43)
Result: Australia won by 159 runs

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